Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have recently announced the release date for Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the next installment in the popular Like A Dragon series (formerly known as the Yakuza series). The game is set to launch on January 26, 2024, and will be available on multiple platforms including PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. This exciting news was unveiled during the RGG Summit Fall 2023.
During the RGG Summit, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio treated fans to a captivating new trailer for Infinite Wealth. The trailer features Kasuga Ichiban, the main character, as he embarks on a journey to find his presumed-dead mother. Interestingly, Ichiban finds himself in Honolulu, Hawaii, and becomes entangled in a web of crime conspiracy and melodrama back in Tokyo and Yokohama. This chain of events leads to Ichiban’s encounter with the original protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, resulting in their role as dual protagonists in Infinite Wealth. As the story progresses, the duo faces various challenges including encounters with the local Chinese mafia, the Barracudas, and the yakuza. Additionally, a mysterious wellness cult seems to be involved, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Throughout the new trailer, glimpses of iconic characters from the series are shown, including a much older Saejima, Akiyama, and Majima. These fan-favorite characters reunite with Kiryu, who sadly reveals that he is battling cancer. The emotional journey of Kiryu and his friends serves as a powerful narrative element in the game. Takaya Kuroda, the actor who portrays Kiryu, recently spoke about his own struggles with illness and how he channeled those experiences into his performance, creating a genuinely moving portrayal.
Infinite Wealth offers an abundance of exciting new gameplay features. The trailer showcases a variety of activities, such as surfing, karaoke, paragliding, and engaging in fun brawls, including a memorable encounter with a giant shark and octopus. Minigames, like Crazy Delivery and Sega Bass Fishing, provide additional entertainment. The combat system retains its turn-based nature but introduces some tweaks, including freedom of movement and Kiryu’s ability to engage in real-time combat. Furthermore, the game introduces new job classes, including the pyrodancer, housekeeper, and action star, each offering unique abilities and costumes. The Poundmates summoning service also returns, allowing players to call upon various characters for assistance, including a lobster. Another new addition is the Sujimon game mode, where defeated enemies can be collected and battled against other characters, similar to the concept of collecting and battling Pokémon.
During the English version of the RGG Summit 2023, titled Like A Dragon Direct, it was revealed that legendary actor Danny Trejo would be lending his voice to the character Dwight, the leader of the Barracudas. Additionally, Daniel Dae Kim is confirmed to voice the Yakuza leader Masataka Eniba. This star-studded cast adds another layer of excitement and anticipation for the game.
Aside from the trailer for Infinite Wealth, the studio also unveiled the opening movie for Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. This movie features an original track composed by Japanese alternative musician Yojiro Noda and includes the talents of rapper J.I.D. The opening movie sets the tone for the game and further builds fans’ excitement for its release. Furthermore, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced that a trial version of Infinite Wealth would be included with Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.
Fans of the Like A Dragon series have eagerly anticipated the release of Infinite Wealth, and based on the information revealed at the RGG Summit, the game promises to exceed expectations. With its intriguing storyline, innovative gameplay features, stellar voice cast, and impressive opening movie, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is shaping up to be a must-play title for fans and newcomers alike. Be sure to mark your calendars for January 26, 2024, when this highly anticipated game hits the shelves.
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